hst vs dt

[LWICK]

I am currently looking at a L2800HST and an L3400DT (both 4-wheel drive). I can get either for the same price equipped with a L463 loader and R-4 tires. I will probably use it about 80% for shredding and spraying (boom type), and 20% for Front end loader use, dirt , mulch, etc. I have been running tractors for most of my life and feel pretty comfortable with the gear shift. I also will probably only use the tractor a few hours a week.

I believe the extra HP on the 3400 (esp. the PTO rating) will be more of a plus down the road than the convenience of HST. But I would like to hear what HST owners (as well as DT owners). I am new to this forum (my second Post) Thanks in advance for any advice.

LW

 

[crbr]

HST for me. I like it (with the cruise control feature for mowing acerage), I believe (and enjoy) in easy operation, and it's a good resale feature. I don't miss clutching, not one bit.

 

[_RaT_]

I am currently looking at a L2800HST and an L3400DT (both 4-wheel drive). I can get either for the same price equipped with a L463 loader and R-4 tires. I will probably use it about 80% for shredding and spraying (boom type), and 20% for Front end loader use, dirt , mulch, etc. I have been running tractors for most of my life and feel pretty comfortable with the gear shift. I also will probably only use the tractor a few hours a week.

I believe the extra HP on the 3400 (esp. the PTO rating) will be more of a plus down the road than the convenience of HST. But I would like to hear what HST owners (as well as DT owners). I am new to this forum (my second Post) Thanks in advance for any advice.

LW

You have hit on a hot topic here. Try the two out and see what toots your horn. I personally like both types each having its distinct advantages. My last two tractors have been HST. Prior to that I had a manual and two shuttles.

 

[Shimon]

I'm a gear guy and find it to work fine for me. Only time I wish I had an HST is for a lot of back and forth loader work.

The gear L3400 has a cruise control feature also by setting the throttle lever on the dash. When mowing, I pick a gear and stick with it and don't touch the throttle or brakes or clutch for hours at a time.

There is also a design difference in the PTO between the HST and DT on the L2800/L3400 which you should familiarize yourself with.

Make sure to get 4WD. I usually get stuck a couple of time when I'm on the tractor and as soon as I engage 4WD I'm unstuck.

 

[N80]

I'm a gear guy too. Its a personality thing to a large extent. I like simple, basic easy to fix tools and I'm cheap....a tightwad in fact. So the simple, inexpensive gear models appeal to me. I'm also a control freak and like the control a clutch gives me.

I understand the value and ease of use of HST as well. And there have been times when my left knee has reminded me of the joy of clutching.

However, in this situation, where the option is a smaller, lighter tractor with less hp vs a larger, more capable tractor with more hp, well, that's a no brainer to me. I could not even imagine spending the same amount of money for those two tractors just to gain HST. Get the 3400. Enjoy the simplicity. Enjoy the power.

 

[lp333]

0... I will probably use it about 80% for shredding and spraying (boom type), and 20% for Front end loader use, dirt , mulch, etc...

HST is the only way to go when doing lots of back and forth work with the FEL. In your case however, that might account for less than 20% of the fun. Given the type of work you have in mind, gears would be a great way to go.

 

[wushaw]

If your not doing much FEL use then the DT would be a good pick.
I do lots of FEL use with my L2800HST and DT would be a pain for me. I have a little gear tractor for my PTO stuff and trailer draggin.

 

[tpevoto]

I've had the L2800 HST 4X4 w/ FEL for little over a year now. I love the HST, but I do a lot of loader work. I don't find it a problem when mowing.

 

[dynasim]

From what I have read, the pto actuation mechanism is different between the Kubota HST and DT models.

I have another brand HST, and what I like most(about the hst) is the lack of having to clutch to stop. This feature completely eliminates many of the pto starting and stopping issues associated with small tractors.

I would suggest searching on the "pto 2800" in this forum.

Chris

 

[N80]

The PTO on my L4400 is completely separate from the 'running' clutch. I think they call it 'live independant'. Basically you engage it with a lever. It is an internal clutch that is engaged hydraulically by the lever. I love it.

I hear a lot of people talk about HST and loader work. When they say it is easier I am sure they are absolutely right. However, don't get the impression that loader work is somehow impossible or less effective with a gear model. It takes more leg work and shifting but once you get used to it, it is second nature. 'Low' and 'Reverse' are directly opposite on the range shift lever and I can gon from forward to reverse very quickly. I imagine that with two identical tractors with experienced operators, one with HST and one with gear, the HST model would have moved more loads by the end of the day. But unless your business is going to be affected by that type of margin, then don't let loader operations swing your decision.

Now, make that same comparison with a gear tractor with more HP and the outcome might be different. Depending on what you are loading, there is a good chance the machine with more hp will be able to push farther into the pile/ground for bigger bites than the lower hp HST machine.